The Woods showing documentary “Sound of Mumbai: The Musical”

Music has the power to change lives. This is certainly the hope of the poverty-stricken children in the documentary “The Sound of Mumbai: A Musical.” A showing of the film will be on April 11, 2012, at the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) Cecilian Auditorium, at 7 p.m.

Created by Australian filmmaker Sarah McCarthy, the work tugs at the heartstrings of the viewer in an attempt to raise funds for the education of the children. The film profiles street children in Mumbai, India, who are chosen to sing songs from “The Sound of Music.” They join with an orchestra for a one-night performance at the elite National Center for the Performing Arts in Mumbai. Viewers get an up-close look at life inside the slums which illustrates India’s class differences. Most of all, the film depicts hope that the performance could change these children's lives and those of their families forever.

Showing compassion for the plight of these children, Sharon Ammen, professor of theatre at SMWC, corresponded with the filmmaker to bring the documentary to The Woods. “All I could think about was, ‘How could I help these children?’” she explained.

The film had its world premiere at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and aired on HBO2 in 2011.

Proceeds benefit the education fund for the children in the film. Tickets are only available online. To purchase tickets, go to the Sound of Mumbai website and press the booking button in the upper-right corner. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children and senior citizens.

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